Name: Creamy Chicken Stroganoff Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Russian-American
Ingredients: 1 lb chicken breast, sliced into strips; 2 cups sliced mushrooms; 1 medium onion, finely chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 ½ cups chicken broth; 1 cup sour cream; 2 tbsp flour; 3 tbsp olive oil; Salt and pepper, to taste; Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish); Cooked pasta or rice, for serving

There's nothing quite as comforting as the rich, savory aroma of Creamy Chicken Stroganoff simmering away on your stovetop. Tender pieces of chicken bathed in a velvety, mushroom-infused sauce, all served over warm egg noodles – it's the ultimate weeknight dinner that feels gourmet but comes together effortlessly.

I remember the first time I made this dish, inspired by a recipe card my grandmother kept tucked away in her wooden recipe box. It quickly became a family favorite, perfect for those evenings when we craved something hearty and soul-warming. Let's dive into this crowd-pleaser that’s easy to make yet tastes as if you spent hours in the kitchen.

Why You'll Love This Creamy Chicken Stroganoff

Get ready to fall in love with your new favorite comfort food. This Creamy Chicken Stroganoff is packed with flavor and ideal for busy weeknights.

First off, it's incredibly quick and easy to make. In just 30 minutes, you can have a satisfying meal ready to serve, making it perfect for those days when time is of the essence. Despite the short cooking time, the flavors are deep and complex, thanks to a few key techniques.

This dish is also a one-pan wonder. Fewer dishes mean less cleanup, and everything cooks together, allowing the ingredients to meld beautifully. You’ll save time and hassle without sacrificing taste.

Family-friendly is another huge plus. The savory, creamy sauce appeals to even the pickiest eaters, and serving it over buttery egg noodles ensures everyone leaves the table full and happy. You can easily adjust the seasoning and add-ins to suit your family's tastes.

Lastly, it's incredibly versatile. You can make simple swaps to customize the dish to what you have on hand or suit dietary preferences. Don't have egg noodles? Try mashed potatoes or rice instead!

Ingredients Notes

The magic of this Creamy Chicken Stroganoff lies in its well-chosen, simple ingredients. Each one contributes to the dish’s luscious texture and complex flavor.

Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs work beautifully. Thighs are naturally juicier and more forgiving, while breasts stay tender when cooked properly. Cut them into even, bite-sized pieces for faster, uniform cooking.
Mushrooms: Classic white button or cremini mushrooms add a savory, earthy depth. For a more robust flavor, feel free to use a mix of wild mushrooms or baby bellas. Slice them thinly so they caramelize nicely in the pan.
Onion and Garlic: These aromatics are crucial for building the base flavor. The onions add sweetness as they soften, while the minced garlic provides a subtle kick. Make sure to sauté them until fragrant to maximize their flavor.
Sour Cream: This is the ingredient that gives the sauce its signature creaminess and tang. Full-fat sour cream provides the best consistency, but you can substitute with Greek yogurt for a lighter version.
Beef Broth: Even though it’s a chicken dish, using beef broth deepens the flavor and adds a richer taste. If you prefer, you can use chicken broth, but keep in mind the sauce may be slightly less savory.

You'll also need a large skillet or sauté pan to ensure everything cooks evenly, and a wooden spoon for stirring the sauce as it comes together.

How To Make This Creamy Chicken Stroganoff

Creating this Creamy Chicken Stroganoff is simpler than you might think. Let me walk you through the process step by step.

Start by heating a couple of tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the bite-sized chicken pieces in a single layer. Don't overcrowd the pan – cook in batches if necessary. Let the chicken develop a golden-brown crust, about 3-4 minutes per side, then remove it from the skillet and set aside.

In the same skillet, add a bit more oil if needed and toss in the sliced mushrooms. Let them cook undisturbed for a few minutes to achieve that delicious browning. Once they release their liquid and start to caramelize, add the diced onion. Cook until the onion becomes translucent, then stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.

Deglaze the pan with beef broth, scraping up any browned bits stuck to the bottom. This step infuses the sauce with tons of flavor. Once the broth has reduced slightly, stir in a couple of tablespoons of flour, mixing well to form a roux. This will thicken the sauce and give it a silky texture.

Next, return the cooked chicken to the skillet, along with the juices it released. Lower the heat to medium and stir in the sour cream, making sure it doesn’t boil. Simmer gently until the sauce is thick and creamy, and the chicken is cooked through.

Finally, season the stroganoff with salt, pepper, and a touch of paprika for an extra hint of warmth. Serve over a bed of egg noodles, garnished with fresh parsley for a pop of color. The entire dish comes together in about 30 minutes, from prep to plate!

Storage Options

If you find yourself with leftovers (lucky you!), this dish stores beautifully. Here’s how to keep it fresh and flavorful:

For refrigeration, transfer the cooled stroganoff into an airtight container. It will keep well in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, reheat gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of beef broth or water to loosen the sauce if needed.

You can also freeze this stroganoff for longer storage. Place the cooled mixture into a freezer-safe container, leaving some room at the top for expansion. It can be frozen for up to 2 months. When reheating, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and warm up slowly to prevent the sauce from splitting.

Variations and Substitutions

The beauty of this recipe lies in its adaptability. There are countless ways to customize it to your liking!

Swap the protein: If you’re not a fan of chicken, try beef strips, turkey, or even vegetarian options like tofu or seitan. For a pescatarian twist, sauté shrimp and add them at the very end to prevent overcooking.
Lighten it up: Use Greek yogurt in place of sour cream, and opt for low-sodium broth to keep things on the healthier side. You can also skip the egg noodles and serve the stroganoff over zoodles (zucchini noodles) or cauliflower rice.
Add veggies: Bulk up the dish with extra vegetables like bell peppers, spinach, or peas. Stir them in during the last few minutes of cooking for added color and nutrition.
Make it dairy-free: Substitute the sour cream with a plant-based alternative, like cashew cream or coconut yogurt. Just be mindful that the flavor will be slightly different.
Play with the seasoning: Add a splash of Worcestershire sauce for extra umami or a dash of hot sauce for a spicy kick. A sprinkle of fresh dill also complements the creamy sauce beautifully.

Feel free to experiment and make this recipe your own. Whether you stick to the classic version or add your own twist, this Creamy Chicken Stroganoff is sure to become a favorite in your household. Enjoy every delicious, creamy bite!